Murli Sharma OTT debut: Super Subbu brings laughs and bold conversations
Synopsis
Murli Sharma's OTT debut isn't just a career milestone — it's a calculated plunge into territory Indian family entertainment rarely touches. 'Super Subbu', Netflix's first Telugu Original, uses a sex education storyline to spark the kind of conversations most families avoid, wrapped in the safety of comedy and a cast that clearly enjoys working together.
Key Takeaways
Murli Sharma makes his OTT debut with 'Super Subbu' , Netflix's first Telugu Original series .
He plays Kukkuteshwar Rao , a strict traditional father whose values are challenged when his son becomes a sex education teacher.
The series is set in a fictional locality called Maakipur and blends comedy with social themes.
Murli has previously worked on approximately five films with co-star Sundeep Kishan and reunites with director Mallik and actress Mithila Palkar .
Murli was first told about the role by director Mallik on the sets of 'Tillu Square' .
Veteran actor Murli Sharma is set to make his OTT debut with the Telugu Original series 'Super Subbu', streaming on Netflix — marking the platform's first Telugu Original series. In the show, Murli plays Kukkuteshwar Rao, a rigid and deeply traditional father whose worldview is upended when his son chooses to become a sex education teacher.
The Character and the Story
Murli describes Kukkuteshwar Rao as 'rigid, disciplined, and strict' — a patriarch whose values are tested at every turn by the premise of the show. Set in a fictional locality called Maakipur, Super Subbu weaves together comedy, family dynamics, and social commentary in what Murli calls a story that 'will make the audience laugh while also gently encouraging uncomfortable conversations.'
'What I found most interesting was how naturally the series blends comedy, family dynamics, and social themes without ever losing its heart. Every character in Maakipur contributes to the madness in their own way, making it a world that audiences will instantly connect with,' he said.
A Reunion of Familiar Faces
The project brings Murli together with several collaborators he has worked with before. He has appeared in approximately five films with actor Sundeep Kishan, who also features in the series. Director Mallik previously helmed a film with Murli that he describes as 'a blockbuster', and actress Mithila Palkar is another co-star with whom Murli worked on a Telugu film 'about two-three years back.'
'With director Mallik, I had worked on a film just before this, which turned out to be a blockbuster, so it was great. And of course, there was Mithila Palkar with whom I had also done a Telugu film about two-three years back. So overall, it was great fun,' Murli noted.
How the Role Came Together
Murli revealed that the casting conversation began organically on the sets of 'Tillu Square', where director Mallik first mentioned the series concept. 'When I was shooting Tillu Square with Mallik, he had already told me about this series that he was writing then and also about the role. We had bonded really well during that film, so I already knew that I was going to be a part of it. But when he officially narrated the script to me, I was extremely pleased,' he shared.
Significance of the OTT Debut
For Murli Sharma, who has built a substantial career in Hindi and Telugu cinema, Super Subbu represents a deliberate first step into the streaming space. 'Being my first OTT ever, I am super excited. I had a great time doing it and bringing Kukkuteshwar Rao to life,' he said. The series is notable for tackling sex education — a subject rarely addressed directly in mainstream Indian family entertainment — through the lens of humour and inter-generational conflict, a combination that could broaden its reach across age groups.
Point of View
But in the Telugu content ecosystem it remains largely unexplored territory. The real test for the series will be whether the comedy holds up as more than a cushion for the subject matter — or whether it lets the discomfort dissipate before it can land. Murli Sharma's casting as the resistant patriarch is smart: he carries enough dramatic credibility to keep the family drama grounded even when the humour escalates.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Super Subbu' on Netflix?
'Super Subbu' is Netflix's first Telugu Original series, featuring actor Murli Sharma in his OTT debut. The show is set in the fictional locality of Maakipur and follows a traditional father whose beliefs are upended when his son becomes a sex education teacher.
Who does Murli Sharma play in 'Super Subbu'?
Murli Sharma plays Kukkuteshwar Rao, described as a rigid, disciplined, and strict traditional father. The character's deeply held values are challenged throughout the series by his son's unconventional career choice.
Who else is in the cast of 'Super Subbu'?
The series features actor Sundeep Kishan and actress Mithila Palkar alongside Murli Sharma. Both are prior collaborators of Murli, and the series is directed by Mallik, who previously worked with Murli on 'Tillu Square'.
How did Murli Sharma get the role in 'Super Subbu'?
Director Mallik first told Murli about the series while they were shooting 'Tillu Square' together. Murli said he knew he would be part of the project from that conversation, and was 'extremely pleased' when the script was formally narrated to him.
Why is 'Super Subbu' significant for Indian OTT content?
The series is notable for addressing sex education — a subject rarely tackled directly in mainstream Indian family entertainment — through comedy and inter-generational conflict. It is also Netflix's first Telugu Original series, marking a milestone for Telugu-language content on the platform.
